A video has captured the horrific moment at which the British-era Morbi bridge in Gujarat collapsed killing over 140 people.

The more than a century-old bridge on the Machchhu river in Morbi caved in around 6.30 pm when it was jampacked with 500 people.

The bridge is reported to have been opened ahead of schedule to the public by the private company without getting clearance from the authorities after the repair and maintenance work. The Gujarat-based Oreva group was bound by its contract to keep the bridge shut for at least eight to 12 months for maintenance and repairs.

However, the company opened the bridge to the public seven months later, on October 26, when the Gujarati New Year was celebrated.

After opening it ahead of time, the company sold tickets at Rs 17, allegedly without securing a fitness certificate from the civic authorities.